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Integrated Science (MSci) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

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UCAS Code
CF10

Qualification
Msci

Duration
4 years full-time

Start Date
27 September 2021

Department of Study
Warwick Medical School

Location of Study
University of Warwick

Integrated Science (MSci) draws on an understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Computing to address fundamental scientific questions about how the natural world works. Laboratory work and computing as a scientific tool form key parts of the course.

Overview

Scientists ask questions about how the world works – especially the natural world – and then work to answer those questions using cycles of conjecture and experiment. Human curiosity leads us to ask basic questions. What is life? What distinguishes the living from the non-living? How do cells work? What causes disease?

MSci Integrated Science aims to equip you to pose and answer scientific questions by drawing freely on the methods and mindsets of mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and computation. By combining the strengths of Warwick’s Medical School (WMS) and School of Life Sciences (SLS), this new course offers you unique opportunities to develop yourself as a scientist.

Renowned researchers will guide your development as a scientist, with substantial time spent in the laboratory from day one. Laboratory experimental work in small teams is a key part of the course from the outset, with parallel classroom sessions to teach you relevant scientific concepts and methods, ranging across multiple disciplines.

Computing as a scientific tool is emphasised throughout the course. In your second and third years, this integrated approach runs alongside a more in-depth look at the molecular and cellular basis of life. This provides a strong foundation for lab-based experimental research in your fourth year, during which you will pursue your own project and write a Master’s thesis.

Continue reading about this course.

Hear from our current students about what it's like to study MSci Integrated Science.

Read our course brochure (PDF)

Course structure

Year One

You will be taught by active research scientists with international reputations, who will help you to think creatively and quantitatively, formulate problems, and work effectively to solve them by drawing freely on the methods and mind set of different scientific disciplines.

Laboratory experimental work in small teams begins right from the outset, with parallel classroom sessions to teach you relevant scientific concepts and methods, ranging across multiple disciplines.

Years Two and Three

The integrated Science approach continues for your cohort, running alongside a more in-depth look at the molecular and cellular basis of life, including modules in biochemistry, molecular cell biology, protein targeting and structural molecular biology.

Year Four

You will focus almost exclusively on lab-based experimental research, pursuing your own project, and will write a Master’s thesis. Alongside this, you will take modules in frontier biological techniques and research skills, research topics in interdisciplinary biomedical research, and transferable skills.

How will I learn?

This is an innovative programme and you will learn in many different ways. As well as lectures, seminars, group work and tutorials, you will spend a significant amount of time carrying out laboratory experimental work. This will enable you to learn experimental approaches and techniques and be actively engaged in science and research from the start of the course.

Class size

In Year One you will learn entirely with your Integrated Science cohort of around 12 students, ensuring that you have a high level of academic support. In Years Two and Three you will join a larger cohort in SLS, but retain small-group labs and tutorials for Integrated Science. In Year Four you will predominantly be based in a laboratory as a member of your supervisor’s lab, whilst joining classes of up to approximately 30 students for skills training.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a wide range of methods, including assignments, examinations, group assignments, lab reports and individual oral assessment.

The final degree classification is determined by Year One (15%), Year Two (20%), Year Three (25%) and your final year (40%).

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAA to include Mathematics and either Biology or Chemistry
  • You will also need GCSE English at grade C/grade 4 or above

IB:

  • 38 to include 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and 6 in either Higher Level Biology or Higher Level Chemistry.

BTEC:

  • We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside A level Maths.
  • You will also need to have studied Biology or Chemistry, either at A level or through a relevant BTEC.

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.

International Students

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

Find out more about international entry requirements.

Contextual data and differential offers

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).

Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.

Taking a gap year

Applications for deferred entry welcomed.

Interviews

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Year One

Year Two

Tools for Biochemical Discovery

On this module, you will examine the principles by which key techniques in the field of biochemical discovery provide biochemical information. This will involve you studying structural techniques such as X-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. As well as, biophysical and analytical techniques such as circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and fluorescence. In the second half of the course, you will widen your studies to analyse biological interactions through case studies, covering topics such as proteomics, high-resolution light microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry and immunoprecipitation.

Signalling and Integration in Health and Disease

On this module, you will gain the foundations needed to advance your studies in endocrinology at the cellular and molecular level, and gain a firm basis for understanding normal hormonal control. You will also cover various aspects of pharmacology, from cellular and molecular mechanisms through to the treatment of human diseases.

Protein Biochemistry

On this module, you will be taught the techniques for studying enzymes in order to understand the mechanisms whereby enzymes are able to catalyse reactions, and to appreciate how individual reactions are controlled and integrated into the metabolic pathways of the cell. You will build on your growing knowledge of the basic concepts of protein structure in order to understand the structure–function relationships of proteins in terms of the chemistry of their component amino acid residues.

Integrated Science: Evaluation and presentation of evidence

Integrated Science Laboratories

Explore our second year modules in more detail.

Year Three

Protein Targeting

You will be applying the knowledge of molecular and cell biology you have gained in previous years to protein targeting, a field of fundamental importance and research interest in cell biology. You will gain a deeper appreciation of the molecular nature of targeting signals and the appropriate transport apparatus, and an enhanced understanding of the specific protein–protein interactions required at each step of a given transport pathway. You will scrutinise the mechanisms by which large globular proteins are translocated across membrane bilayers, including where these are impermeable even to protons. This is a substantial opportunity to apply your knowledge in a realistic, research-led, practical environment.

Biological Clocks

On this module, you will develop your appreciation of the importance of temporal organisation in biology. Following your close study of the molecular mechanisms of the circadian system, you will progress to analysing clock-regulated processes in whole organisms, including their interactions with the environment and seasonality. This will assist your understanding of current research perspectives on biological pacemakers in several different organisms.

Structural Molecular Biology

It is becoming ever more apparent that to completely understand a protein’s biological mechanism, three-dimensional structural information is essential. On this module, you will have the opportunity to explore and apply modern approaches and practical techniques to the study of biological macromolecules, building on your previous study of biophysical techniques and protein structures. You will pay particular attention to the structural techniques used to elucidate fundamental aspects and problems in biology-specific fields of interest in structural biology, including protein-nucleic acid interactions, protein–ligand interactions, protein folding and structure, macromolecular structures and biophysics.

Dynamics of Biological Systems

The study of non-autonomous dynamical systems can shed new light on biological systems. On this module, you will learn how our understanding of cells and cellular pathways can be enhanced by considering them as entities that can change their behaviour both in space and time.

Research Project
Integrated Science: Experimental design and analysis

Explore our third year modules in more detail.

Year Four

Examples of optional modules/options for current students

  • Neurobiology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Immunology
  • Microbial Pathogens
  • Ecology and its Implications
  • Bioenergy and Refining
  • Oncology
  • Science Communication

Tuition fees

Find out more about fees and funding.

Additional course costs

There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.

Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

Your career

This is a new course so there are as yet no previous graduates. We expect this innovative course to appeal to enthusiastic scientists wishing to pursue an academic career in scientific research. Potential career paths may include medicine via a graduate-entry medical programme on completion of this degree.

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Career Society at Medical School Event
  • AFP Interview Preparation
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Foundation Programme (UKFPO) Information evening

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

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About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.